Re: [VAL] Is this another way of accessing the frame for repairs?

["Tom" <thomm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

What you see on the rear of that Airstream trailer outside of the rear trunk 
door is the infamous "elephant ear patch".  This type of patch was installed 
after access to the rear frame was gained by removing rivets, cutting the 
skin, etc. The skin would have had to been replaced if it wasn't cut out 
because you can't bend aluminum sheet metal and have it look like it was 
never touched.

These elephant ear patches are a sign that a proper repair was done to help 
the trailer not sag OR to fix a sagging rear end.

I'd be looking for popped rivet heads on the *inside skin*, wrinkled skin on 
the exterior from the wheelwell back, AND I'd be looking for ANY sign of 
weakness or separation of the body from the rear bumper locker which houses 
the stinky slinky, etc.

Are you thinking of buying this one?  These pictures should be saved by 
ANYONE who is thinking of ever buying a vintage Airstream trailer -- they 
shout "look at me!  I've been repaired!"

Tom Meeker
WBCCI 5303